French police officers have confirmed they are under orders not to physically stop migrants launching boats for Britain, according to shadow home secretary Chris Philp, who filmed the confrontation during a visit to the French coast this week. The exchange happened on Hardelot beach, near Boulogne, as dozens of migrants waded into the water to board a dinghy. The officer told him their instructions were to warn migrants that the crossing was dangerous, but not to physically step in. When Philp pushed further and asked whether officers had been ordered not to act, he says he was told their job was to protect migrants, not stop them. French authorities have consistently said they avoid physical intervention once migrants reach shallow water, citing the risk of drownings.